How we're becoming a fast food nation

Figures show our huge consumption of fast food, as Alex James comes under fire for a newspaper column praising three big chains.

New statistics show that we’re truly becoming a fast food nation. Over half of the meals eaten out last year were fast food, according to analysts NPD, up from 47.3% in 2008.

We now eat 5.54 million fast food meals a year, with quick lunches accounting for 72% of the sector’s growth since 2008.

The economic downturn and subsequent abundance of money-off vouchers are definitely a major factor, with NPD saying they accounted for 100% of the growth in fast food sales last year.

And it seems we’re ignoring the health warnings about fast food, despite many companies, notably McDonald’s, going to great lengths to offer healthier options.

With austerity Britain showing no signs of going away for years, it could be that this is where the scales tip literally and metaphorically towards fast food as a permanent food choice for many.

Alex James opens his mouth

In today’s edition of the Sun newspaper, Blur bass player Alex James writes a glowing report about the mammoth production operations behind Greggs, McDonald’s and KFC that feed these cravings.

He writes about a visit to a McDonald’s branch in Leicester: “There's some fantastic gear there and in some ways it's very similar to a Michelin-starred restaurant. When it's busy in a Michelin kitchen, all the chefs are doing is putting pre-prepared parts of a meal together, which is essentially the same as McDonald's.”

And he says of KFC: “A clever recipe, cutting-edge technology and good training. Plus, they put it in a nice box.”

His piece has provoked a storm on social networking site Twitter, with many people accusing him of promoting the companies.

Backlash

One of many to berate the cheese farmer, rjmilne tweeted: “The most gushing and bizarre piece about fast food I’ve ever read”. But leeborrett retorted: “Love Alex James' article singing the praises of KFC & McDonalds. Well done for reviewing what people actually eat.”

How much fast food do you eat? How much is too much? What can we do to encourage people to eat less? And what do you think of Alex James' article? Have your say in the Comments box below.

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